CD Review: Sarakina's 'Live In Studio'

Sarakina
Live In Studio
Amadeus

The Polish band, Sarakina, brings us a new album recorded during a live concert at Studio Rembrandt by Polish Radio Bialystok in Poland on February 23, 2014. The contemporary folk and Balkan musical connections are prevalent throughout with lush percussion and swirling rhythms led by strong, neo-classical vocals by Eliza Sacharczuk. Eliza's vocals are joined by kaval, bagpipes, tupan, tambura, clarinet, double-bass, and assorted percussion. The instrumental sections are vibrant, magical, and somewhat whimsical. The haunting and breathy kaval flute and organic drums, along with the dizzying sounds of the bagpipes, allows the album to explore various musical styles and influences ranging from the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Turkey, and Western Europe. There are some applause segments at the end of the songs, but it does not interfere with the flow of the album. The recording quality is excellent overall. Fans of Balkan folk, European folk, instrumental fusion, and lively world music will love Sarakina. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chlopcy Kontra Basia's 'Oj Tak!'

Chlopcy Kontra Basia
Oj Tak!
Riverboat Records/World Music Network

Anyone with an interest in Polish vocal music will love Chlopcy Kontra Basia's intelligent and interesting mix of vocal and classical elements on their latest release, Oj Tak!. The female vocals are blended with double-bass and percussion for a rather lo-fi result that is never boring. The quirky and fast vocals are a great addition to the Polish music scene. The group mixes traditional musical styles with alternative and contemporary avant-garde and pop styles for a truly world fusion experience. Of course, there are neo-classical and jazz undertones throughout, but they do a good job creating a sound that is seemingly-indescribable. In one case, "Kasia," only contains vocals without any instrumentation. Anyone familiar with Polish folk music will love the new sounds emanating from Oj Tak!. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: World Jazz from the Matt Geraghty Project

Matt Geraghty Project

Departures

Omnilingual Records

Acoustic and electric bassman, Matt Geraghty, entices listener's ears to come closer and never look back. The smooth jazz idiom and world jazz components are quite clear. Matt's incorporation of a slew of instruments including the sarangi, trumpet, drums, piano, accordion, guitar, cumbus, oud, rhodes, and others, make Departures sound like a world-class journey through Latin America, Europe, South Asia, and everywhere else for that matter. The Polish language lyrics by Anna Maria Jopek add a touch of nostalgic splendor best-suited for a high-end, lounge club. Thankfully, Departures is only a download or CD-away from stirring the mind and soul of anyone who listens to the music. The Matt Geraghty Project features scattered vocals, Weather Channel Local Forecast-type melodies (this is a plus here), and a global mix of influences that are not too overt. Departures is perfect for those airport delays or the comfort of one's sunlit patio. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Warsaw Village Band

Warsaw Village Band
Infinity
Barbes Records

The Warsaw Village Band's musical creativity transcend generations and culture with their fourth studio album, Infinity. Hailing from Poland, the band performs innovative music steeped in cultural authenticity. Of course, snappy string tunes and toe-tapping waltzes are staples in their repertoire. Their is a relatively good balance of instrumental and vocal tracks. Interestingly, some of the compositions resemble the music of Finland's Varttina. A nice addition to the liner notes includes song meanings and performers. This music is great for contemporary Polish fans looking for something that does not completely avoid the historical moorings of early Polish music. There are hints of African and Blues elements, which represent a seemingly pan-global mixture of sounds that remain uniquely Polish. Infinity is an album of nearly one hour of music that should get your heart racing and feet in motion. ~ Matthew Forss